The federal government is studying a proposal to build housing projects above railway stations as part of its strategy to tackle traffic congestion in urban areas. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the plan, currently being reviewed with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), includes both public and commercial housing, with regulatory amendments underway to support the initiative.

“This means the project would be built above the railway station. Not all units will be public housing—some will be commercial—but this is among the measures to ease congestion,” he said at the Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum hosted by the Higher Education Ministry.

Beyond Kuala Lumpur, Anwar highlighted that Penang will see a major rollout of the Kota Madani development, involving 10,000 housing units in Seberang Jaya and Batu Kawan. These will feature integrated vertical schools, clinics, and fire stations, designed to create self-sufficient communities and reduce dependence on transport.

“This way, people don’t have to bear transportation costs. If services are nearby, the MRT becomes viable because people will actually use it,” he explained.

In Putrajaya, similar vertical school concepts will be introduced. Schools will be constructed above residential spaces, with safety and design as top priorities. Anwar noted that these schools will have dedicated lifts and underground parking, with garden spaces on the residential level. “From level 14, one can walk down to the kindergarten or school,” he said.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was also present, said his ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government are reviewing a plan to reduce or eliminate parking spaces in residential flats near railway stations. He said the move could lower housing costs and promote greater use of public transport, though policy amendments are still in progress.

Also in attendance were Prasarana Malaysia Bhd president and group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Universiti Putra Malaysia vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.

The Penang state government will implement comprehensive traffic management strategies to minimise disruptions caused by several upcoming large-scale infrastructure projects, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said yesterday.

Acknowledging that developments such as the Silicon Island, the 29.5km Mutiara Line LRT, and the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway may cause temporary congestion, Chow said such impacts are inevitable during progress. However, he assured the public that efforts will be made to maintain traffic flow throughout the construction period.

Speaking at the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025, Chow emphasised the importance of preserving the original number of traffic lanes even during road closures. “Even if parts of the road need to be closed, additional space must be created to ensure the same number of lanes remains available,” he said.

He added that during a past visit to Kuala Lumpur, his team had observed how traffic was effectively managed during Gamuda’s LRT project implementation. “I believe all contractors involved in Penang’s projects will take traffic dispersal seriously,” he said.

With effective planning and cooperation from the public, Chow expressed confidence that Penang would be able to ease traffic-related challenges and maintain reasonable travel conditions during construction.

Chow confirmed that the Penang LRT project is set to commence in the third quarter of 2025, with a targeted completion timeframe of six to seven years. Meanwhile, the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway construction is scheduled to begin by year-end.

These projects were among several announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the 2025 federal budget tabling, which also included the Penang International Airport expansion and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3 initiative.

The Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 stations, improving connectivity between Penang island and the mainland while reducing road congestion.

On the PSI project, Chow reported steady progress with 60.71ha of land reclaimed to date. The state government is currently awaiting confirmation of federal incentives to attract investors to the 930.78ha reclamation development, dubbed Silicon Island.

“We hope to hear good news from the federal government soon,” he added.

Merione Grand is an upcoming business hub by IJM Land, located in the heart of The Light Waterfront. Strategically positioned just a stone’s throw from the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, it is surrounded by upscale residential communities and within walking distance of the future Penang Waterfront LRT station.

Designed to support modern business needs, Merione Grand aims to provide a functional space for entrepreneurs and companies. More details will be available upon official launch.

Property Project : Merione Grand
Location : The Light City, Gelugor
Property Type : Commercial
Tenure: Freehold
Built-up Sizes: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : IJM Land

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider or party in question.

Three major development projects currently underway at Penang General Hospital (HPP), with a total allocation of RM758 million, are expected to significantly strengthen the state’s public healthcare system.

According to State Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports and Health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the projects involve the construction of a Women and Children’s Block, a new Stem Cell Services Centre, and a Specialist Clinic and Ward Block.

“These projects are important milestones for Penang’s healthcare network, and we deeply appreciate the funding approved by the Federal Government under the 11th Malaysia Plan, Rolling Plan 1,” he said during a site visit to the Women and Children’s Block project.

The RM307 million Women and Children’s Block is currently 34.35% complete and is expected to be ready by January 2026. Constructed under a design-and-build model via open tender, it will include an eight-storey hospital block with 329 beds, a 12-storey car park, a cafeteria, a playground, and a surau.

Meanwhile, the new Stem Cell Services Centre, with a cost of RM23 million, is 10.19% complete and targeted for completion by March 2027. Built through conventional open tender, it will enhance bone marrow transplant services, including Apheresis and Stem Cell Lab facilities.

The third project—the Specialist Clinic and Ward Block—will cost RM428 million and is scheduled for completion in May 2029. It will include a 14-storey building with 216 beds, specialist clinics, inpatient wards, and a multi-level car park.

Gooi emphasized that all projects are being overseen by the Public Works Department (JKR) to ensure transparency and professionalism. He also stated that the comprehensive development of these healthcare facilities is part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare quality for Penang residents.

Proposed landed residential development located in the northern part of Balik Pulau, along Jalan Pantai Acheh. The site is approximately 3 km from SJKC Yu Chai and less than a 10-minute drive to both Botanica.CT and the Balik Pulau town centre. The surrounding area includes several durian farms within a few kilometres’ radius.

The development is planned in two phases and will involve the construction of over 100 residential units:

Phase 1

• 49 units of 3-storey affordable terrace houses
• 33 units of 3-storey terrace houses

Phase 2

• 52 units of 3-storey terrace houses
• 4 units of 3-storey semi-detached houses

The project is still pending for approval. More details will be available upon official launch.

Property Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Balik Pulau
Property Type : Residential
Total Units : 49 (affordable), 85 (terrace), 4 (semi-d)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price : RM300,000 (affordable housing price guide)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.